Jimbo Fisher in Orlando
by Nole-ando on May 18, 2009 11:32 PM EDT
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Print[Editors Note: A huge thanks to Nole-Ando and CSI Nole for attending the Orlando booster function with Jimbo Fisher. His report follows as a special to Tomahawk Nation]
Jimbo Fisher visited Orlando tonight. Hopefully some of you were able to attend. I was fortunate enough to. Andrew Carter has already beaten me to the punch with a post tonight. The place was packed and standing room only by the time I got there, so it was difficult to write down any quotes (I'm sure AC will have them later though). I thought I would go ahead and paraphrase what I could and give my views on some things. There was quite a bit addressed, so if I (or someone else) don't cover a question you might have, go ahead and ask. It might have been asked. Fisher talked about every player (from what I can remember) on the two deep cart, and then some.
First, he came out swinging, telling jokes (pretty good ones too). These were almost Bowdenesque (some of them even about Bowden). I was surprised by this after hearing the comparisons between him and Bowden, when it comes to Booster meetings. My personal feelings: No problem there, he can hold his own.
On Defense
He sounds happy with the MA's defense. He came out defending them. Almost as if he's read some bad things about them (can't imagine where though). When it comes to individual players, everyone received a fair amount of praise. Some more than others. Toshmon Stevens, Brandon Jenkins, and Marcus White had more. Pat Robinson was said to have the ability to be one of the best we've ever had.
On Offense
He thinks Christian Ponder could be the best he's ever coached. He loves the intelligence of both Ponder and Manuel. He also had a story to illustrate Ponder's toughness. When talking about Ponder, he mentioned that at the end of the season, he didn't know how bad Ponder was hurt. He learned, after the fact, that Ponder had a crack in is lower back and a torn abdominal muscle. When asked why Ponder didn't tell him, he said "because you would have called me soft and to get back in the game."
Manuel's delivery has been changed. Before he was injured, alot of progress was made.
" The receivers? Well...." More below.
The OL is nasty. David Spurlock is the leader of the group and is the meanest. Datko is up to 290lbs, Sanders at 300lbs.
He's excited about Matt Dunham's return.
On Special Teams
We need a kicker, glad to have Hopkins. Powell has a very strong leg (one of the strongest he's seen), just needs consistency.
On Off-field Problems (ahem...receivers)
A couple of new programs have been installed to teach the team how to make the right decisions. First, there is a 12 week class they have to take during the summer, designed by some people who have grown up in rough areas (Compton was one example). There is also a "Big Brother" program now. This is a program where upperclassman and some highly regarded underclassman take a freshman under their wings and show them how to handle the off-field responsibilities that some with the football team.
Additionally, they have 100% of the team in summer school and set to attend the "discretionary" camps.
This covers what I thought were the most interesting parts of the night. Hopefully it answered some questions you guys might have had.
Report from CSINole:
Brandon Jenkins enrolled early and has done a tremendous job, along with Toshman Stevens. He also said to keep an eye out for Terrance Parks and Mister Alexander on D. Jimbo was also impressed by the play of Everette Dawkins on the D-line, whether its at DT or DE. One thing he said about Dawkins was his speed/quickness (considering he's around 250 lbs and smaller than most linemen) and holds his own on the D-line.
TE: he had some good things to say about Caz P. and Bo Reliford...
Other names/topics discussed were Bert Reed, Jarmon Fortson, Avis Commack, Easterling, Surrency's appeal, Jermaine Thomas, Ty Jones, Tavaris Pressleys status, our O-line as a squad, Hopkins/Powell, LB's (both Nigels), Kevin McNeil, Matt Dunham, Louis Givens seeing more playing time, Moses McCray fitting the mold of an NFL lineman right now and touched on recruiting.I'm tired and hittin' the sack, I'll try and add a bit more tomorrow. Overall, the turn out was more than anyone expected (200+) and left everyone with an optimistic outlook on FSU and the future of the football program.
Go Noles!
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Brandon Jenkins
enrolled early and has done a tremendous job, along with Toshman Stevens. He also said to keep an eye out for Terrance Parks and Mister Alexander on D. Jimbo was also impressed by the play of Everette Dawkins on the D-line, whether its at DT or DE. One thing he said about Dawkins was his speed/quickness (considering he’s around 250 lbs and smaller than most linemen) and holds his own on the D-line.
TE: he had some good things to say about Caz P. and Bo Reliford…
Other names/topics discussed were Bert Reed, Jarmon Fortson, Avis Commack, Easterling, Surrency’s appeal, Jermaine Thomas, Ty Jones, Tavaris Pressleys status, our O-line as a squad, Hopkins/Powell, LB’s (both Nigels), Kevin McNeil, Matt Dunham, Louis Givens seeing more playing time, Moses McCray fitting the mold of an NFL lineman right now and touched on recruiting.
I’m tired and hittin’ the sack, I’ll try and add a bit more tomorrow. Overall, the turn out was more than anyone expected (200+) and left everyone with an optimistic outlook on FSU and the future of the football program.
Go Noles!
Give these boys their well-deserved merit badges.
It’s nice to hear good things about Toshmon and Everette version 2009. In the very limited action I saw last year, they seemed to have great instincts for true freshmen.
Tavaris Pressley’s name was mentioned, what was the extent of the dialogue?
I didn't catch everything said about Pressley
It sounded like his rehab is doing well (I didn’t hear a time table for return) and Fisher talked about his potential. CSI might have caught more of it and can help you more, sorry.
Exactly...
he stated that Tavaris is day to day and would like to see him back on the field… he’s not quite sure if TP is ready to go, but rehab is going well (as Nole-lando stated). Also talked about his size/speed and has potential to be a stud, if all works in his favor.
Great way to start the day!
Reading the positive energy coming off that report and seemingly from the Orlando booster function is such a great way to start the day. No matter what happens at FSU, I will always love the Noles!
I am particularly interested in his comments about Dawkins
Is he hinting that perhaps he doesn’t plan to use 250LB DT’s in the future?
I was listening for hint of that when he started talking about Dawkins
I didn’t think he was hinting though. He was just elaborating on how physically impressive Dawkins is to him and that he thinks he will excel at either position.
not only that but
Dawkins is still young and could very well add some needed weight. I doubt anyone would want to use 250 DT’s. Jimbo was simply talking him up and think he has a bright future on the D-line.
Health
While he’s obviously exaggerating about Ponder’s ability (J. Russell was one of the most impressive college talents ever), I wonder if we couldn’t use increased or better communication between the medical and coaching staff. Coaches need that info in order to put the team in the best position to win.
I agree
That was shocking to know that our OC didn’t know the QB had a torn abdominal muscle and cracked back. How in the world does that not get reported to him?
CP
has a lot of heart and became a leader, IMO. Not the smartest move by CP, but he’s determined to win and prove himself.
I admire the heart,
but that trainer or doctor needs to tell Jimbo this information. You can’t rely on a competitor to furnish this.
by Bud Elliott on May 19, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree
who’s to say that the trainer or doctor is aware of any injury he may have if CP does not go to them directly?
We're talking about the CP's life here...
A win over UF wouldn’t make being in a wheelchair alright…
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
Maybe I am misreading you
But are you implying that he goes to a non-team doctor? I’m pretty sure these guys are under the team’s medical insurance.
by Bud Elliott on May 19, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
No...
all I’m saying is that there could be a possibility that CP keeps certain injuries to himself. When you have that adrenaline flowing, there’s no stopping you (unless you’re leg is broken or your shoulder was dislocated).
Well sure
but to say that he didn’t tell fisher of the cracked back and torn abdominal is to imply that he knew the diagnosis of the injury. If he wasn’t diagnosed, then fair enough. If he saw the doctor, however, then Fisher needs that medical file.
by Bud Elliott on May 19, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Does doctor/patient confienciality come into play here? I doubt it but I’m not sure.
Also, to what extent is Ponder being examined on a weekly basis? Does he have to go in for a check up every week? What do they check? People also have different pain thresholds. I’ve had an ear infection I was unaware of when I was about 12. The only reason I knew about it is because I was getting a routine physical. I didn’t feel a thing.
I really have no idea on any of these answers but it could be more that nobody really knew rather than people were hiding things.
Excellent questions
I really don’t have an answer.
I will say that college football players have a shocking amount of off season procedures done, mostly corrective.
A couple more things
Caz is set to play a bigger role in the passing game this year. Caz, of course, was used to block more last year to shore up the Tackles and Fisher said he doesn’t think that will be necessary this year. He also loves Reliford’s athleticism. Jabaris Little’s name was mentioned, but nothing else.
On Corey Surrency’s appeal, he was very honest and doubted it would be successfull. I guess it’s really not a surprise but unfortunate he won’t have another year to grow and have a better shot at some sort of a pro career.
Recruiting...
If I’m not mistaken… since Jimbo was in the area yesterday, I do recall him saying that he met with 5 recruits before the meeting.
Good catch
I didn’t catch that. Coley’s twitter page says “the squad” was in Orlando too so I’m guessing you weren’t mistaken. The only thing I heard about his trip here was about how they were suppose to fly into Orlando and had to land in Ocala instead because of the weather.
SQUAD UP!
Coley
was in the Mag-NOLE-ia, New Orleans, La. I thought they also hit Mississippi and Bama? His latest was that they were in South Florida, once again. Jimbo did land in Ocala but I don’t think Coley was with him.
AC updated his blog and caught something I think alot of us have been wondering...
Also, and this is also no surprise, it seems like the door has closed on OL Will Furlong, the former DeLand High standout and started part of last season. Furlong, of course, suffered a broken foot and then a series of other setbacks, including a concussion during the spring. He never was healthy after his injury, and decided to walk away from the team. Fisher doesn’t expect him back.
Also from AC's blog...
One thing I thought was interesting: Fisher said the team came out of the tunnel late five times a season ago because coaches were dealing with issues behind the scenes. "Pampers made a killing off us last year," Fisher said. That was one of his better lines of the night, I thought.
i wonder what kind of issues this is referring to?
there are so many ways you could take this.
A player needing to go to the bathroom?
A COACH?
Something else?
I agree which is why i was asking...
is this a ha-ha laugh out loud matter where someone had to help Bud Thacker put his butt pad in correctly..
or something serious regarding the coaches…
Issues
I think Jimbo was referring to certain freshmen being scared $hit/nervous about playing to their best abilities… Maybe they had to knock some sense into their players, to go out there and play ball. Jimbo also touched on players and the relationships they have with their girlfriends/ex girlfriends (the drama they go through that is felt in practices and games).
Not sure where else to post this.
Do we have a genuine interest in T. Barnes? Does he have an interest in us? Does not seem that way, first it was the Gators and now the Tar Heels. Did we just get too excited since 3 of his former teammates are here? Come to think of it though, they were seniors when he was a soph, doubt they were that close, unless they come from the same neighborhood. I believe Barnes does not want to come to FSU.
Defense is not the problem.
We have a genuine interest
And he named us co-leaders with UNC from what I understand.
There is nobody I trust more, when it comes to recruiting a specific position, than Butch Davis with defensive linemen.
When he tells people Corey Miller is the best defensive end this year, I believe it.
As for Barnes’ interest. He wanted to go to UF very badly and tried to commit. UF told him no, because they are looking more nationally, and at Richard Ash (who they will probably get).
At that point, he went back to the guys who he previously favored (back in January), which were UNC and FSU.
We know that 1st coast isn’t the best educationally, but that they do focus on getting their kids qualified, and as a college that’s all we can ask for.
I think we overestimated T. Barnes because we never thought UF would give him a wait and see type offer (like, wait, and see if we whiff on these guys ahead of you). He blew up that Jacksonville camp and UF raised an eyebrow.
Hope that helps.
Thanks.
Unrelated but I do not like the coaches pattern of going after guys we have a slight shot at, while letting others we have a great shot at slip away by showing little interest. Take the RB position this year, a couple good backs with solid interest, yet we seem to be putting all our eggs in the Lattimore basket.
Defense is not the problem.
Consider
the difference between an offer and effort. Are we making the mistake of associating effort and recources with extending an offer? Might it be that we are extending these offers to get in the good graces of coaches so that when we are again elite, and no longer “have little shot” at these guys, we will have the approval of the coaches?
I assume you mean Clements, right? If not, I’m really not aware of any RB’s we’ve turned away.
I am not either, but all Jimbo seems to be focused on is Lattimore
And with good reason, he is a talent. On the other hand my gut tells me he will go elsewhere and with all our focus on him, Clements and Gainer will be more or less ignored and also end up elsewhere.
Defense is not the problem.
I don't think Gainer is being ignored at all
I do think Clements is being ignored RELATIVE to what he thinks he is worth.
No, he was not
They did mention at the end that the club is trying to get another assistant in a couple of months. So, maybe then? Maybe? Hopefully?
Couple more things that were talked about
These have been addressed here before but it’s worth mentioning since Fisher came out and talked about it. Greg Reid looks set to qualify. He’s not sure what Jacobbi McDaniel plans to do when it comes to baseball.
Everybody’s favorite, Gene Williams was there. A warchant lovefest ensued around me and my skin began to crawl.
I met the man. That’s right I met Andrew Carter. Barely recongnized him from the picture he had on his blog. Nice guy though.
Everyone saw...
Gene. But I never had the opportunity to meet/see AC. Maybe I did see him and didn’t know it was the man himself. :)
He was standing right by me and I didn't realize it.
Had to look at him a couple of times and still had to ask him to be sure. Really didn’t look like what I thought. So, yeah, you probably did see him and not know you were looking right at him haha.
Speaking of AC, I noticed that he has finally starting moderating the comments on the Chopping Block, thank God,
because the comments that were being posted had gotten so out of control, it was dragging down the entire blog. To be honest the nonsense and the stupidity of the comments is what made me start coming to this site a couple of months ago, and loving it ever since. (Note to editors, please walk in a straight line, do not turn left or right or you will break my nose)
I had the same issues
I posted on there from time to time (as killbill though). It was kind of funny at first, especially the things you were saying to the guy. He just took things to the extreme and having to read through the garbage got old. I kept reading the columns but effectively stopped reading comments and completely stopped posting. Noticed alot of other regulars did too. Had been lurking here a while and decided to start posting here when I cut myself off there. Plus, you can’t beat how interactive things are here.
Glad to see the change though. Should liven things up there a bit.
So you're the real killbill. Howdie do. Enjoyed reading your real thoughts and I always laughed and knew right away which were NOT your comments.
I think the troll kept a list with every readers name and would sit there posting idiocies using other peoples names for hours at a time. He did it to me and used my name for months at one point, probably because I used to spank her so badly, (I used to call him a her, ala Parcells) until abusing her was no longer fun. I could always tell when she was using others name, and it used to crack me up when other less knowledgeable readers would get into pointless arguments with her, for days at a time over the death penalty, NCAA COI, sanctions, probation, BB’s salary and his 30 years of corruption, TK, Randy S., Bob Goin and the stadium expansion (from the mid 90’s, if you can believe it), taxpayers, and many other insanities. What a dick! Then at the other end of the spectrum you had the right and reverend CAPT. praising and praying to Jesus for Bobby, McCain/Palin, trying to convert the SHE-TROLL, and quoting scriptures on what is supposed to be a NOLE blog. I am glad AC regained control, although he took his sweet time, because being only one of a couple of beat reporters in Tally covering the NOLES, he does have a luxury and access advantage, and I enjoy his work. To me, there is no such thing as too much coverage and information when it comes to my NOLES and FINS. I just wish he was more interactive and responsive, even though he did have that Friday Mailbag going for awhile, which was pretty good. I just think the editors here at TN (and readers/contributors too) have spoiled us and ruined it for all the others by raising the bar so high and being able to have and maintain intelligent discourses.
Who is making comments, I am confused? Are you saying Carter is commenting on his article?
Defense is not the problem.
this one guy comented like 60+ times per day per article, to great annoyance.
by Bud Elliott on May 19, 2009 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions
It started as one guy. Then I think a couple others joined in from the UF blog after FSU fans started making comments bashing UF on the UF blog in retaliation. The majority of the posts were still from the one guy. I remember someone found and posted his full name, address, and phone number. The funny thing was he almost always was the first to comment on every post. He must have visited the blog every 15 minutes,
Exactly the way I saw it
And yeah, it was like he was camped out, waiting for a new post from AC. There were times he would have comment within 10 minutes of AC making a new post. It was rediculous to say the least.
And the hysterical part would be when he would reply immediately afterwards to his own comments,
within 2 minutes, by saying something like “I think Banks is right, Banks has a good point, or Banks is the only one that makes any sense”. I used to ROFLMFAO at how clever he thought he was. But the really sad part were those who didn’t get what was happening-those are the ones I worry about.
I think the majority of it was from him
The posts, even though they had different names, had the same characteristics. The way they were written and what they said, for example. He “took over” the names of regulars to act like them and post his crap.
TDO
there’s one whackjob who’s been banned at least 20 times… its against their policy to ban a member, all they can do is delete each sreenname they set up through various email accounts. That whacko is one pathetic individual. He represents the orange and blue, but failed to make it out to the bowl game to watch his team lose to the Might Wolverines of Michigan??? Smells like a bandwagon fan. Some life the guy must lead, reminds me of A E Banks posting on the Sentinel.
CSI said it best
I can honestly say I don’t think there was one thing said that didn’t get reported between us 3. Good job. I’m just glad I could finally give back and add something to this site. Thanks for all the good words guys. Hopefully it can be done again.
He shouldn't say things like this:
""That game [Wisc.] changed us," he said."
People will start to think he’s learning to shovel it as fast and deep as BB. What changed is we played a slow, mediocre northern team that doesn’t run a decent spread offense.
Tend to agree with this, but I think he was trying to get fans excited.
Though it did feel good to win 42 – 13.
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